New dental appliance offers whiter teeth, lower price

June 16, 2010|DAVID DIPINO dddipino@tribune.com

Snapping into place quickly and painlessly, the Snap-On Smile has been hailed as a noninvasive and cost-effective way for dental patients to improve their appearance. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Rohrer offers the appliance to his patients. Among the benefits: no painful shots, no drilling and less time in the chair. In addition, patients get to keep their natural teeth.

On the patient's first visit, Rohrer casts a mold, takes photographs and picks a tooth color and shape. The information is then sent to California, where a thin yet strong resin appliance is made. The patient returns to Rohrer's office in two weeks, is fitted properly, and walks out of the office with a brand new smile.

Rohrer shares his practice with wife, Dr. Joy LaDelfa Rohrer, at 715 George Bush Blvd. They've been in business since 1985 and are enthusiastic about the Snap-On Smile.

"It's perfect for retirees, older folks, anyone who has medical problems, is facing economic challenges or is afraid of a dentist's chair," Thomas Rohrer said.

The cost of the Snap-On Smile, up to 28 teeth, is equivalent to that of about one crown, and it can last up to five years. The Snap-On Smile covers uneven or crooked teeth, closes spaces between teeth, increases lost tooth height, replaces missing teeth and improves smiles that have been ruined by stains or cracks.

Tom Graver, a Delray Beach resident who oversees the G.I. Radio Network on Power Talk 1420 AM, has been dealing with fractured and broken teeth that seem to get worse as he gets older. Graver speaks frequently to veterans' organizations and wanted to have a feeling of confidence again.

"When I was talking to groups, I didn't want to feel self-conscious," he said. "Now when I speak to groups, this helps me to be able to smile. It's my goal to restore my original smile tooth by tooth, but until then, I needed a smile."

Rohrer said he was initially skeptical when the Snap-On Smile came to the forefront of cosmetic dentistry, but over time he found many advantages to using the product. He said it's great for actors and actresses, public speakers, salespeople and business owners. Patients can eat with the Snap-On Smile in place and wear it all day.

"It's about fear, money, time and trust," Rohrer said. "When patients are choosing a dentist to restore their mouth, this is a very significant decision. There are times patients can't move forward because of trust. This is a noninvasive way to create that smile they always dreamed of."